Rumor Mill: August 8th 2005

And More While the Nets are having second-thoughts about Shareef Abdur-Rahim’s knee and are considering alternative options, the power forward no longer wants to be on the team, his agent says. Aaron Goodwin confirmed a published report saying that his client is upset with how the Nets have handled the situation.

— New York Daily News

Team president Rod Thorn has received all three testimonies from physicians asked to review the medical history on Abdur-Rahim’s right knee, and while he would not disclose their findings, Abdur-Rahim and his agent have a strong opinion as to what they contain. “The fact that he’s not revealing anything should tell you it’s not something (the doctors) are concerned with,” agent Aaron Goodwin said.

— Newark Star-Ledger

One Hawks’ owner suggests that Steve Belkin’s opposition to the pending Joe Johnson trade reflects Belkin’s desire to operate the franchise “on the cheap.” Michael Gearon Sr., a member of the nine-man ownership group and a former Hawks president and general manager, said Belkin has clashed with his partners over how much to spend on the player payroll.

— Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Among the concessions local casinos made to lure the 2007 NBA All-Star Game here was giving up their luxury boxes at Thomas & Mack Center. The NBA will pay $500 a seat for luxury box seats, or exchange it for a lower-level seat.

— Las Vegas Review-Journal

Don’t rule out the Grizzlies talking to Boston about a trade. The Grizzlies proposed a deal involving Bonzi Wells and Paul Pierce during last week’s trading frenzy.

— Memphis Commercial Appeal

The Heat will announce this week the signing of first-round draft pick Wayne Simien. Under the new collective-bargaining agreement, the power forward from Kansas can receive a maximum of $868,000 for the season and $933,000 for 2006-07.

— South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Marko Jaric’s agent would not say whether his client seemed more inclined to stay with the Clippers following an hour-long meeting with General Manager Elgin Baylor and Coach Mike Dunleavy.

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